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101 Strategies to Make Academic Vocabulary Stick: A Comprehensive Guide to Effective Vocab Instruction

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Academic vocabulary is an important part of student success. It is the language that students need to know in order to understand and participate in academic discussions, read and write academic texts, and solve academic problems. However, many students struggle to learn and remember academic vocabulary. This article provides 101 strategies that teachers can use to help their students master academic vocabulary. These strategies are organized into six categories: providing multiple exposures, making vocabulary meaningful, using games and activities, using technology, providing feedback, and assessing student learning.

101 Strategies to Make Academic Vocabulary Stick

by Marilee Sprenger

4.5 out of 5

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Providing Multiple Exposures

Use vocabulary words in multiple contexts. Don't just define the word once and be done with it. Use the word in different sentences, paragraphs, and even stories. The more students see the word, the more likely they are to remember it.
Expose students to vocabulary words in different ways. Don't just read the words aloud. Write them on the board, use them in games, and have students create their own sentences or drawings with them.
Provide students with repeated opportunities to practice using vocabulary words. Don't just test students on the words once. Give them multiple opportunities to practice using the words in different ways.

Making Vocabulary Meaningful

Connect vocabulary words to students' prior knowledge. Help students understand how new vocabulary words relate to words they already know.
Use real-world examples to illustrate the meaning of vocabulary words. Show students how the words are used in everyday life.
Have students create their own definitions for vocabulary words. This helps them to understand the meaning of the words in a deeper way.
Have students use vocabulary words in their own writing and speaking. This helps them to internalize the meaning of the words.

Using Games and Activities

Play vocabulary games. There are many different vocabulary games available, such as Bingo, Memory, and Charades.
Use vocabulary activities in your lessons. For example, you could have students create vocabulary maps, write vocabulary poems, or act out vocabulary scenes.
Incorporate vocabulary into your classroom routines. For example, you could have students greet each other with a vocabulary word or use vocabulary words in your morning announcements.

Using Technology

Use online vocabulary games and activities. There are many different online vocabulary games and activities available, such as Quizlet, Vocabulary.com, and WordHippo.
Use technology to create your own vocabulary games and activities. For example, you could create a PowerPoint presentation with vocabulary words and definitions, or you could create a website with vocabulary games.
Use technology to help students track their progress. For example, you could use a spreadsheet to track students' scores on vocabulary quizzes.

Providing Feedback

Give students feedback on their vocabulary usage. Let them know when they use vocabulary words correctly, and help them to correct their mistakes.
Provide students with opportunities to self-assess their vocabulary knowledge. For example, you could have them complete a vocabulary self-assessment checklist.
Use data to inform your vocabulary instruction. Track students' progress on vocabulary quizzes and activities, and use this data to identify areas where students need more support.

Assessing Student Learning

Use a variety of assessment methods to measure students' vocabulary knowledge. This could include quizzes, tests, essays, and oral presentations.
Use informal assessment techniques to monitor students' progress. This could include asking students to define vocabulary words, use vocabulary words in sentences, or identify vocabulary words in context.
Use data to inform your vocabulary instruction. Track students' progress on vocabulary assessments, and use this data to identify areas where students need more support.

Learning academic vocabulary is essential for student success. By using a variety of strategies, teachers can help their students to master academic vocabulary and achieve their academic goals.

101 Strategies to Make Academic Vocabulary Stick

by Marilee Sprenger

4.5 out of 5